Why Xypex
for Water Treatment Structures

The Structures – The Problems

Xypex products play a major role in the waterproofing and protection of concrete against hydrostatic pressure, cracks, joint-leaks, chemical attack and surface deterioration – problems typically encountered in the various concrete structures found in the water treatment process.

Water Treatment Structures

Raw Water Intake
Structures

Flocculation Basins

Sedimentation Basins

Water Filtration Tanks

Reservoirs & Distribution
Structures

Typical Concrete Problems

Concrete Defects

Cracks & Joint Leaks

Surface Deterioration

Chemical Attack

Freeze/Thaw Damage

Hydrostatic Pressure

The waterproofing and protection of concrete in water treatment structures has two primary objectives:

To prevent water held in the structure from leaking out due to the hydrostatic pressure and to protect the reinforcing steel from corrosion.

The nature of concrete and its installation means having to deal with permeability problems created by the natural porosity of the concrete as well as defects (cold joints, honeycombs, rock pockets and tie-holes), joint leaks, freeze/thaw damage and drying shrinkage cracks. These problems typically leave the structure open to active leaks and accelerate the possibility of reinforcing steel corrosion and surface deterioration.

Additional Challenges

Chemical Attack

The addition of coagulants or flocculation chemicals such as iron salts, aluminum salts, or polymers creates an additional long-term problem for the concrete that can lead to surface deterioration. With a loss of concrete cover, the reinforcing steel in the structure becomes more susceptible to corrosion, deterioration, and ultimately results in the failure of the structure itself.

Surface Deterioration

The backwashing process used regularly to clean water filtration tanks is a naturally abrasive process which attacks the surface of the tanks, removing the traditional waterproofing coatings used to protect them. This in turn exposes the concrete to hydrostatic pressure, resulting in reinforcing steel corrosion and leaking.